Celebrations of Life
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Dale A. Adcock
June 14, 2024 • Rev. Kathleen McMurray
Dale A. Adcock passed away on May 23, 2024 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ina Dale Allen Adcock was born October 8, 1935 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Richard Allen and Ida Margaret Wilhite Allen. Dale’s early years were spent in Arkansas County going back and forth between her two grandmothers while her father was a patient in the tuberculosis sanatorium in Booneville, Arkansas. Dale was in the 8th grade when her father was released from the Sanatorium and the small family began to build a life together in Booneville. Dale graduated from Booneville High School in 1953 and enrolled in Arkansas Tech in the fall where she pursued a degree in Home Economics. She married Charles (Charlie) Mabern Adcock on May 27, 1955, sharing 47 years of life together. Charlie was Dale’s greatest supporter and cheerleader except for maybe Dale’s father-in law, Buddy Adcock. Dale had her own amazing career beginning in the advertising departments for M.M. Cohn’s and Blass, followed by nine years in graphic design at Arkansas Printing. She also worked as the Director of Programs for University Mall. She was probably best known for her work at Arkansas Livestock and Poultry where she promoted chickens and eggs across the State of Arkansas, as well as nationally. Dale retired in 1998 from Arkansas Farm Bureau after twenty years of service. Dale was proceeded in death by her husband, Charles M. Adcock, her parents, Bill and Ida Allen, and her in-laws, Buddy and Fannie Sue Adcock. She is survived by her son, Charles Allen Adcock (Judy Drury), who passed away on May 29, 2024, daughter Michelle Adcock Place (Kirk), grandchildren: Laura Walker Place (Asiem Bhaskar), Courtney Adcock Decker (Chris), and Cody Adcock (Hailey), and great- grandchildren Leighton Lamb Decker and Brooks Christopher Decker. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Danny Adcock, and sister-in- law Sue Adcock Frueauff, along with five nieces and a nephew, all whom she dearly loved. Dale’s service will be Friday, June 14th, 1:00 pm at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Please wear bright colors to the memorial service to honor Dale. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Television and Music ministries or to the Arkansas Tech Foundation. To sign the online guestbook, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com/obituaries/dale-adcock/#!/tributewall
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Dr. George Key Mitchell
May 2, 2024
Dr. George Key Mitchell was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on June 15, 1931. He passed away on April 29, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents Coats A. and Jessie Lee Mitchell and his brother Allan. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha, and his son Adam (Kristie) granddaughters Quinn and Peri Mitchell, son Loyd (Kim) and his sons Loyd Jr, (Jessica), Daniel (Karen), granddaughter Sophia , and Alex, daughter Lee Ellen Carroll( Chuck) and her sons Andrew (Amanda) grandsons Cooper and Tripp, and Chad Carroll. George was a kind, considerate, intelligent person. While he might have been the smartest person in the room, you would never know it as George focused on others first, versus himself. He loved his family dearly. Arkansas Blue Cross-Blue Shield and its employees held a special place in his heart. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra was a source of great pleasure and interest to George. George loved to be on the water, whether it be on a houseboat on Lake Ouachita or at Greers Ferry at the lake house. The lake house holds so many wonderful special memories of family. He and Martha truly loved and enjoyed their special marriage. They loved each other dearly and spent time traveling with each other to hear jazz concerts as well as taking the family on trips. They had a bond that lasted over 53 years. George loved living, good music (especially classical), a nice Dewars scotch and water and good company. He left a big space for all of us. George earned a bachelor's degree in 1952 from Hendrix College, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1952 and his Doctor of Medicine, with honors, from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine in 1956. He was board certified in internal medicine in 1963. He served in the Arkansas National Guard from 1956- 1963, eventually serving as the company commander in the 125th Medical Battalion, 39th Infantry Brigade. In 1961, George and others formed the Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic. In 1968, he became the first full time medical director of Arkansas Blue Cross. George was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Arkansas Blue Cross in 1975 and held this position until his retirement in 1993. During his time as CEO, Arkansas Blue Cross became the largest health insurer in the state as well as a leading innovator and proponent of healthcare reform. He served on the board of trustees at Hendrix College from 1981-1993 and was chairman from 1986-1993. He was named Distinguished Alumus in 1993. He is a life member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra board and was inducted in the Business Hall of Fame in 2016. The family would like to thank his caregivers: Shawnda Washington and her staff, Sherrita Campbell, Tamela Washington, and Demetria Langston. Memorials can be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Rebecca "Becky" Lynn Fitzhugh
February 19, 2024
Rebecca Lynn (Becky) Fitzhugh, 75, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2024. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 2, 1948. Becky is preceded in death by her loving parents, Frank and Peggy Fitzhugh. Becky lived a full life of love and laughter in spite of living with seizures for over 65 years. At six years old she contracted encephalitis and was in a coma for several weeks. It took several trips to Johns Hopkins over the next few years of her life to get her medications to where they controlled the seizures. However, Becky never let her disability slow her down. She was always smiling, always wanting to go places. She loved trying new things, was never afraid of anything. She loved shopping, going to movies, going out to eat and playing games. She also loved the Razorbacks. They provided her with so much entertainment over the years. When the team lost, football or basketball, she was never down; she supported them win or lose. In fact, she never was down. She was always ready for the next day's plans! After graduating from Central, Becky went to work for her dad's insurance agency. She was there for approximately 40 years and absolutely loved it, especially all the people. She loved kids and helped teach Sunday School for many years. She was active in Civitan and loved all the members in her group who were so supportive of her. Becky's dogs, Prissy and Sassy, were so devoted to her and she loved them dearly - especially Sassy who never left her side once Peggy (Becky's mom) was gone. Becky loved her church more than anything in the world and was there for every event unless she absolutely couldn't get there. Her sister, Jenny, knew that Becky was a precious gift from God and that she was so blessed to have her in her life. Becky is survived by her sister Jenny and brother-in-law Walter, the Smiley and Glasbrenner families and her many wonderful friends. Jenny wants to thank Angela, Tish, and Simone for their loving care of Becky over the past few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to PHUMC, Becky’s second home, Broadcast Ministries.
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Patricia S. Doubleday
January 25, 2024
Patty was predeceased by her husband Bob in 2001 and their oldest child, Jeff in 1956. Her children left to cherish her memory and life lessons: Leslie (Eric) Heizman, Lisa Doubleday, Robert (Peri) Doubleday Jr. and John (Shelly) Doubleday. Her grandkids Ryan Mott, Jordan (Will Nail, IV) Katie Heizman (Noah Webb) and Maren Doubleday are carrying on many family traditions started by their grandmom. She lived long enough to meet her two great-grands, Woodsley June and William Lamar V, also known as Buck. Patricia was also predeceased by her parents, Robert and Ava Sudden and three brothers, John, William and Charles Sudden. Patty loved her gardenias, wisteria and camellias and the enormous sweetgum tree that provided shade to their beloved home. She had an affinity for elephants, because of their matriarchal, multi- generational groups, and the way they protect each other. Elephants never forget, and neither did our mother, always providing the golden thread that tied us all together. She was the neighborhood canvasser for the March of Dimes, the Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. Like our dad, she deeply loved Arkansas and became an avid fisherman, crappie and bass beware. (She caught more and bigger fish than Dad. It was a source of pride for her!) Patty loved her Old Granddad cocktails and her Salem 100 Menthols. See's Candies, a staple of her childhood, were also a tradition at our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. A special note of thanks to her caregivers, Jennifer, Theresa, Irlee, Shirley, Jeff and Helen. They treated her with love and respect; she shared her wicked sense of humor with them while she remained in the home she loved so well. Memorials can be made to, Fifty for the Future, the Broadcast Ministries at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, or the Arkansas Nature Conservancy.
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Garth A. Martin
January 18, 2024
Garth Martin was born January 11, 1930, in Beebe, Arkansas. He was the son of two educators, Howard and Edith Martin. He was a graduate of Beebe High School (valedictorian), Beebe Junior College, and Hendrix College. It was at Hendrix that he met the love of his life, Joann Berry. They were together for 70 years, and would become well-known and beloved figures in the business, public school, Methodist, cultural, and political worlds of Little Rock. Garth often said marrying Joann was the best decision he ever made. Garth spent 50 years in the commercial insurance industry in both company and agency ranks, becoming a well-known and respected professional in the Central Arkansas insurance community, and served on national committees for the CPCU and CIC organizations. After his retirement from the insurance industry, Garth served for many years as an active volunteer for various organizations, including St. Vincent Infirmary, Meals on Wheels, Heifer International, and the Clinton Presidential Library. Garth was extremely active during his entire life in church, civic, and political activities. He was one of the longest term members of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, where he served on multiple governing committees including the Board of Trustees and the Board of Stewards. He served as a representative of the church in multiple overseas mission trips. Garth and Joann were also involved in the church’s youth programs, and their legacy is memorialized by the PHUMC Martin Youth Endowment. Highly active in the community, Garth served on a number of boards and committees for organizations as varied as CARTI Foundation, Wildwood Park for the Arts, YMCA, Family Service Agency, St. Vincent Auxiliary Board, and Pulaski County Democratic Party. He was a founding board member of the Little Rock Racquet Club. In education, he served on the Hendrix College Alumni Board and the ASU-Beebe Development Council. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of ASU-Beebe. Garth was an accomplished and multi-talented athlete. He competed in football, basketball, and track in high school, junior college, and at Hendrix. After his own playing days, he encouraged, taught and supported his three sons, who all went on to play sports in high school and college, and then did the same for his grandchildren. He continued to stay active physically throughout his life, mostly recently as a regular member of the Hays Center in North Little Rock. Garth was also a proud member of the National Guard, serving his country as a young man and later in life as a member of the Air National Guard. Garth was predeceased by his wife Joann Berry Martin, with whom he shared 70 years of a wonderful life filled with family, culture, politics, and travel throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East. One of the more memorable trips they took was a two week journey around China. They were quite active in the Arkansas Democratic Party and attended both inaugurations of President Bill Clinton. He is survived by his three sons, Doug (and wife Melanie), Greg, and Rick, and their eight children, Cory Grummer (Jacob), Brett Martin, James Martin, Haven Hamilton (Michael), Kye Masino, Jeremiah Martin, Jonathan Martin, and Walker Martin. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Rhett, Lane, and Martin Grummer. For all of these descendants, as well as his many cousins, Garth was the bulwark of the family, the man they could always rely upon. He was quite proud to be the patriarch of the ever-growing clan. Throughout his long life, Garth’s deep faith, devotion to service and community, and love for family never wavered, it only grew, and his memory will continue to influence many lives now that he is gone. He will be greatly missed by family and a multitude of friends. Memorial donations can be made to the Martin Family Youth Endowment at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock AR 72205, (http://www.phumc.com/giveonline/), to Hendrix College, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of http://ruebelfuneralhome.com
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Maggie Elizabeth Schneider
January 12, 2024
Maggie Elizabeth Schneider passed away peacefully at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock on December 21, 2023, following an extended illness. She was 38 years old. She was born in 1985 to Jenny Delora Anderson (formerly Schneider), second to her identical twin, Lillie. Both girls were born 9 weeks prematurely weighing 5 pounds together. Her early years established Maggie as a fighter who defied the odds again and again to survive a series of medical challenges. Maggie's early years were spent in Nashville, Arkansas, before moving to Texas, where she graduated from Stratford High School in 2004. Most recently, she lived with her parents in Arkadelphia and Little Rock, Arkansas. Known for her creativity, Maggie loved to spend her time painting, crafting, and cooking. She was an avid devotee of the Pioneer Woman. She also loved video games and found community with gamers from all over the world. She especially loved birds and birdsong. Maggie left a mark on her many caregivers and others in the community. While a dialysis patient at Davita Kidney Care, she was known for her smiles and encouragement. She was the youngest of the patients. UAMS medical staff knew her by name and enjoyed hearing her sing tunes from her ICU hospital room. They often joined in karaoke sessions late into the night. Maggie is survived by her parents, Jenny and Fred Dan Anderson of Arkadelphia and Little Rock, Arkansas; her sister Lillie Smith; her aunts and uncles, Susan Manning of Magnolia, Texas (Richard, deceased), Patricia Stinson of Nashville, Arkansas (Gene), John Young who travels internationally; Amy Evrard of Falling Waters, West Virginia (Chris); Barbara Anderson (Andy, deceased) of Nashville, Arkansas; and Sharon Foster (David) of Conroe, Texas; as well as numerous greataunts, cousins, great-cousins and dear friends. She looked forward to Heaven so she could be with Jesus as she joined her grandparents, the late Harold and Myra Harwell Young and the late Leon and Arletta Anderson all of Nashville, Arkansas. Donations can be made to the PHUMC Good Samaritan Fund. Maggie also encouraged others to sign up as organ donors. Please consider it.
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Jane Grigsby Arthurs
July 12, 2023
Jane Grigsby Arthurs, age 81, of Little Rock passed away June 25, 2023. She was born in Heber Springs, February 12, 1942, to the late Edward Grigsby, a farmer, and Irma Dean Olmstead Grigsby, a school teacher. Survivors include Bill Arthurs, loving husband of 56 years; Martha Hinesley (Dean), sister; Deana Moody, niece; Stephen Bengel, cousin; Godson, Will Trice; the Bridge Girls; her Delta Zeta Sisters; a host of nieces and nephews; and her beloved housekeeper Rayleen Bishop. The Grigsbys moved to Mountain View when Jane was a second grader, and Janice Hinkle Sutton (Kenneth) became her everlasting friend. Jane was valedictorian of Mountain View High School (1960) and went on to Arkansas State Teachers College (ASTC) where she was a spirited Delta Zeta and outstanding student. Graduating in three years, she became a distinguished teacher at Hall High School, teaching Business Education for 35 years. She earned an MA from the State College of Arkansas (later UCA) and subsequently won a prestigious Stephens Award for outstanding teaching in the Little Rock School District. Those years of teaching were a great joy for Jane. She loved teaching, and she loved Hall High. She is remembered fondly by scores of Arkansas students. A “Dedicated Bear” at ASTC, Jane became a lifetime member of the Alumni Association and both the Doyne and President’s Society. She established with Bill the William H and Jane Grigsby Arthurs Scholarship for a deserving business education student. They created a similar scholarship at the UofA for a Sigma Chi student in any field. In retirement Jane and Bill traveled extensively through Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and England--and along the Danube from Prague to Budapest. But their favorite destination was a coveted location off the coast of Maine where they returned time and again with Cousin Stephen and special friends. Jane led an active social life mingled with community service. During twenty years she made significant contributions to Arkansas Children’s Hospital as a lifetime member and one-time President of the Children’s Auxiliary. She also volunteered in the hospital gift shop. She was an accomplished tennis player and a workout enthusiast at Pleasant Valley Country Club. And on the spiritual side of life, she was a “Cradle to Grave Methodist,” a 55-year member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church and a cofounder of the Fathomers Sunday School Class. The Bridge Girls and hosts of women considered Jane vital to their lasting friendships. She kept friends together, tracked their personal lives, and supported their children. Those who knew her best spoke lovingly: “very hospitable, always,” “the best friend a person could have,” “loved an adventure,” “always on your side and happy for your successes.” She asked amazing questions and “loved coconut pie and divinity.” Jane was one of a kind. Bill and their extended network of friends offer eternal thanks to Barbara Ellis, Theresa Carmichael, Lachasity Marshall, and Arkansas Hospice for providing loving homecare during Jane’s final months. The interment in the Columbarium of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 12, 2023. A celebration of Jane’s life will be held in the sanctuary at 11 a.m., followed by a church reception. Contributions can be made to UCA Foundation, Inc., Arthurs Scholarship, 201 Donaghey Ave, Box 4986, Conway, AR 72035, or to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of http://ruebelfuneralhome.com
A Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Shirley Thomas Brown
July 13, 2023
Shirley Thomas Brown passed away peacefully in her home, with family by her side, on July 2, 2023, following a 35-year battle with cancer and later COPD. Though her health had been failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, and joy for life kept her pushing through the pain. Through her, we know what determination and resilience truly look like. There was just no stopping Shirley. Shirley was born on December 7, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to parents Roy and Erma Ludwig, along with her beloved older brother Gary. She grew up in Des Moines and later Kansas City, graduating from Shawnee Mission High School in 1956. She attended the University of Kansas, where she met Jack Thomas. They married in August of 1957, when she was only 18 years old. She worked various jobs while Jack earned his law degree and began his early career as a Navy JAG officer. While stationed at the Pentagon, Shirley fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a mother when Cindy was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Shortly after Cindy’s birth, the family moved to Little Rock, which became their cherished home and birthplace for Jill. Shirley was happiest as the central figure and supporter in the lives of her husband and daughters. She filled her days as a homeroom mom, carpool mom, cheer mom, tennis mom, snack bar mom, brownie troop leader, Bible and Sunday school teacher, and countless other roles. Anyone who knew the Thomas family could see Shirley was a star in their eyes, and that was all that truly mattered to her. Jack and Shirley were just getting used to their "empty nest" when he passed away suddenly in 1988. In the summer of 1991, a mutual friend introduced Shirley to widowed Rear Admiral (ret) Taylor Brown, and they married the following year. In their almost 20 years together before his passing in 2011, they traveled the world playing golf and visiting friends, children, and grandchildren. Shirley, affectionately known as "Noni," and Taylor were happy in their golden years together. They loved celebrating holidays and hosting dinners when family came to visit. Shirley is survived by daughters Cindy Thomas Pugh (Tom) and Jill Thomas McIntyre (Andy), grandchildren Jeff McIntyre, Jordan McIntyre D’Angelo (Dom), Elsie Pugh, and Jaclyn Pugh, bonus daughters Leslie Heitz (Bill) and Diane Weaver (Tim), and their treasured children and grandchildren. Always stylish, often feisty, and never afraid, "Noni" was quick with a joke or comeback, especially on the golf course or at the card table. She will be most remembered for her overwhelming generosity and the abundance of joy she brought to those who knew her. The family extends their deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis and Dr. Hanan Mahkoul, the hospice staff of Gentiva Health Services, caregiver Velma Robinson, and Shirley’s many cherished friends and neighbors. It was Shirley’s desire to honor the physicians she grew close to over the past 7 years who helped give her precious bonus time with family and friends. Memorial gifts may be made to the UAMS Foundation Fund, 4301 W. Markham St., #716, Little Rock, AR 72205.
